My mate just called me and was telling me his EL (4.0 auto) has broken down. This is what he told me: There is a loud knocking sound coming from the lower left side of the engine, It's blowing black smoke and it is near impossible to start. When he does manage to get it started the only way he can keep the engine going is by having his foot flat to the floor but then it dies again after about 10 seconds.
Can anyone shed some light as to what may be causing it?
Thanks.

I'm assuming that he hasn't done a big end or anything and the knocking was there before this happened. If he wasn't revving the tits off it, try the coil, if he was, it's probably cam timing.

First, check the coil condition, by taking the center lead off the dizzy, and holding it about 5 mil away from a good ground (you'll need to pull the rubber surround back to expose the metal). Have an assistant start the engine (obviously it won't start) and watch the spark, if it's blue and strong, it's not the coil, if it's yellow, the coil's buggered.

As far as I'm aware the engine was running smooth and quietly before the car broke down this arvo. He doesn't rev the hell out of it which is good but I know that in the past it has been a bastard of a thing to start some times.

Could be a cracked head at worst or just a head gasket gone. Oil getting into the cylinder and burnt off creating a black smoke. Pull the spark plugs out and see which one is covered in crap. Also, check the oil level to see if its gone down since.

I just got a call from my mate and he said there is coolant seeping out from between the block and the head. There is no water in the oil and there are no bubbles in the radiator when the car is started. I reckon he may have blown a head gasket between the cylinders.

It's blowing black smoke and it is near impossible to start. When he does manage to get it started the only way he can keep the engine going is by having his foot flat to the floor but then it dies again after about 10 seconds.

this can also be caused by the vaccum line to the map sensor being dissconnected.

My mate had the mobile mechanic out to look at his car and when he took the rocker cover off there was broken bits of steel all over the place so he needs another motor.
Anyone know of a place that has a reco EL 4.0? Or maybe a low Km used motor? It has to be located in Melbourne because thats where my mate lives (Heidelberg).

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